The Co-op Movement
Proudly local since day one. The East of England Co-op story.
Founded in 1844
The Rochdale Pioneers
Co-operatives were formed over 180 years ago as a different way of doing business that was better for everyone. The first successful co-op was formed in 1844 by a group of working-class men in Rochdale who established a set of guiding values and principles which we still follow to this day.
Co-operatives are based on the values of:
- Self-help
- Self-responsibility
- Democracy
- Equality
- Equity
- Solidarity
Co-operatives use seven principles to put their co-operative values into practice:
- Voluntary and open membership
- Democratic member control
- Member economic participation
- Autonomy and independence
- Education, training and information
- Co-operation among Co-operatives
- Concern for community
Did you know Co-operative Societies gave women equal rights and opportunities long before Parliament?
Societies enabled women to receive their own dividend and have an equal vote in their co-operative, an incredible 80 years before they would receive the parliamentary vote.
Did you know Co-operative Societies gave women equal rights and opportunities long before Parliament?
Societies enabled women to receive their own dividend and have an equal vote in their co-operative, an incredible 80 years before they would receive the parliamentary vote.
The Co-operative Movement
There are over 3 million co-ops around the world, including 7,000 independent co-ops in the UK. They cover a wide range of sectors, from retail, housing, healthcare and farming. There are even co-operative football teams, like FC Barcelona.
Our Co-op
Proudly local since day one. The East of England Co-op story.
Our values
Learn moreOur story
Learn moreThe co-op movement
Learn moreOur board
Learn moreOur Senior Leadership team
Learn moreOur policies
Learn moreAnnual reports
Learn moreGender pay gap report
Learn moreCareers
Learn moreFind your Local East of England Co-op
Search for a store name, an area or a postcode or use your current location to find your closest store, or contact us